Category: Oct2014

The United States condemns the killing of Laurent DuPasquier, an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff member, caused by shelling yesterday near the organization’s premises in Donetsk, Ukraine. We extend our sympathies and condolences to Mr. DuPasquier’s family, friends, and colleagues.  We urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law…

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to follow up on their meeting in New York on September 25. The two leaders discussed ways the United States and Turkey can work together to degrade and destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) and restore security and stability to…

Michelle and I would like to extend our best wishes to Muslims in the United States and around the world who are celebrating Eid al-Adha, and to congratulate those performing the Hajj this year. As our Muslim neighbors and friends gather for Eid celebrations, Muslim Americans are among the millions of pilgrims joining one of…

The United States strongly condemns the brutal murder of United Kingdom citizen Alan Henning by the terrorist group ISIL. Mr. Henning worked to help improve the lives of the Syrian people and his death is a great loss for them, for his family and the people of the United Kingdom. Standing together with our UK…

The United States welcomes the decision this week by the Government of the Netherlands to send up to eight F-16 fighters and 250 support personnel to conduct airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq. In addition, the Netherlands will dispatch up to 130 military personnel to assist with the training of Iraqi Security Forces. This military contribution…

The President spoke by phone this afternoon with General David Rodriguez, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), who provided an update on the U.S. government’s response to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. The President and General Rodriguez discussed the progress of the response, known as Operation United Assistance, whose Joint Force Command deployed in…

The United States condemns the violent ambush yesterday in northern Mali that killed nine U.N. peacekeepers from Niger. I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed, as well as to the people and Government of Niger. This is the latest in a series of brazen attacks on peacekeepers…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the White House announced that Jonathan McBride will be stepping down from his position as Assistant to the President & Director of Presidential Personnel in late November. “As Director of Presidential Personnel, Jonathan McBride has helped ensure this Administration and the American people can count on the most talented, dedicated public…

President Obama hosted a discussion today in the Roosevelt Room with lead financial regulators and senior advisors on the economy and the ongoing implementation of Wall Street Reform. Six years after the depths of the financial crisis, the President commended regulators for their efforts to further strengthen the financial system by continuing to implement the…

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic to discuss bilateral relations and regional political dynamics in southeastern Europe. The Vice President congratulated Prime Minister Vucic for his focus on economic reforms and improving Serbia’s business climate, and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the political and…